Crumb cake is a delicious dessert loved by many. It features a soft, moist cake topped with a thick, crunchy crumb layer. This crumb topping is made of butter, sugar, and flour. The texture contrasts between the cake and crumb make it a favorite for breakfast or dessert. In this guide, you will learn how to make crumb cake from scratch with simple steps.
Ingredients Needed
Before starting, gather these ingredients:
- For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- For the crumb topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crumb Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This prevents the cake from sticking and makes cleaning easier.
Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping
Start with the crumb topping to let it chill while you make the cake. In a bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Set aside in the fridge.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients for Cake
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps make the cake light and airy.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy and light in color. This usually takes 3 to 5 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time. Then add the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix gently after each addition. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
Step 7: Pour the Batter into the Pan
Spread the cake batter evenly in the prepared pan using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Step 8: Add the Crumb Topping
Take the crumb topping from the fridge. Sprinkle it evenly over the cake batter. Make sure the topping covers the entire surface.
Step 9: Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The crumb topping should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Let the crumb cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes. This helps the cake set and makes it easier to cut. Serve warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with coffee or tea.
Tips for the Best Crumb Cake
- Use cold butter in the crumb topping for a crunchy texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake soft.
- If you like, add nuts or cinnamon to the crumb topping for extra flavor.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Variations You Can Try
You can customize crumb cake in many ways. Add fresh fruit like blueberries or apples to the batter before baking. Use different spices such as nutmeg or ginger in the crumb. For a richer cake, replace sour cream with Greek yogurt.
Conclusion
Making crumb cake at home is easy and rewarding. With simple ingredients and clear steps, anyone can bake this delicious treat. Whether for breakfast or dessert, crumb cake is a crowd-pleaser. Follow this guide to enjoy fresh, homemade crumb cake anytime.
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